The masterplan for a life science-led transformation of Manchester’s Upper Brook Street has gone to public consultation.
McLaren Property, Alliance, Moda Living and Kadans Science Partner have drawn up plans for more than 700,000 sq ft of life sciences space and 1,840 student beds in Ardwick, Manchester.
Kadans managing director James Sheppard said: “The plans are a result of a collaborative vision to transform and create a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The Manchester science and technology market is growing significantly and desperately requires more highly technical real estate to meet the demand. To address the ever-changing sci-tech landscape, robustness and adaptability continue to drive and inform our industry-leading spaces to promote collaboration and innovation.”
The integrated masterplan, by architects Hawkins Brown, Sheppard Robson and SimpsonHaugh, lays out the vision for a new mixed-use development, providing life sciences space and purpose-built student accommodation, as well as community facilities and public uses, potentially including a GP surgery, community centre, shops and cafes.
McLaren Property and Kadans will deliver 740 student beds and 218,556 sq ft of purpose-built technical real estate respectively.
Alliance and Moda Living will deliver 470,000 sq ft of life sciences and circa 1,100 student beds, 200 of which will be affordable, along with some mixed-use space. The student beds are the first to be announced in Moda Living’s 4,000-bed student accommodation pipeline.
Moda LIving co-founder and director Oscar Brooks said: “Upper Brook Street is an extremely exciting masterplan that will completely transform this key central site into a thriving new urban community in the heart of the city.”
The masterplan aims to open up Upper Brook Street, connecting the separate sites, to create a new district with a brand new public square at its heart. This will provide more than two acres of new public realm designed by Reform. The plans also include improvements to key pedestrian routes and cycle connections.
McLaren development director David Atherton said: “We are excited to be part of a collective effort to regenerate this suite of disused sites. It is a fantastic opportunity to reimagine this area of Ardwick working with local people, to help set a new direction of positive change.”
Avison Young is working as planning consultant for the masterplan.
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